2026 Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless | 28ft

New Build 2025 Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless   Built for Adventure, Designed for You
Experience the pinnacle of bay boat performance and offshore capability with the all-new 2025 Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless. As the flagship of Whaler's celebrated Dauntless lineup, the 280 is a purpose-driven, luxury fishing machine that defies expectations. Bold, agile, and packed with premium features, this 28-foot center console offers best-in-class versatility, world-renowned reliability, and enough customization options to satisfy even the most demanding boater.

Whether you're stalking tailing redfish inshore, jigging over reefs offshore, or hosting a sandbar party with the family, the 280 Dauntless is your all-in-one solution. Engineered for fearlessness and crafted with Boston Whaler's legendary unsinkable hull, this vessel is ready to tackle every mission with style, power, and safety. And with this being a brand-new, build-to-order model, you have the opportunity to tailor the entire boat to meet your exact specifications?from engine packages and electronic systems to seating layouts and lighting.

This is not a pre-owned vessel, but a brand new build, customizable to suit your personal boating lifestyle.

Performance and Power Options

The 280 Dauntless offers exceptional propulsion flexibility with several powertrain configurations designed to meet your unique performance needs. Whether you prefer fuel efficiency, top-end speed, or precision handling, the engine options deliver responsive control and unmatched dependability.

Standard Single Mercury 400 V10: The base engine setup offers a perfect blend of efficiency and torque with smooth digital throttle and shift (DTS) controls.

Optional Dual Engine Packages: For those looking to venture farther offshore or seeking added redundancy, twin Mercury 225 or 250 V8 outboards are available. These packages elevate the 280's offshore prowess and improve hole shot, balance, and stability.

Joystick Piloting Available: Mercury's advanced Joystick Piloting system enhances maneuverability, making docking, tight turns, and station-keeping intuitive and effortless, even for single-operator outings.

Whichever propulsion package you choose, expect powerful acceleration, smooth cruising, and confidence-inspiring handling in all conditions.

Helm & Technology

At the helm, you'll find a state-of-the-art command center designed for both comfort and capability. The 280 Dauntless is equipped with fully integrated Simrad electronics, ensuring reliable navigation and superior situational awareness.

Simrad Display Options: The wide helm accommodates large, multi-function displays that integrate GPS, sonar, radar, and engine diagnostics.

Digital Switching Technology: Manage all onboard systems, lighting, pumps, bilges, and more with the touch of a button or via mobile device for seamless control and extended battery life.

Optional Full Windshield: Enhance visibility and protection with a sleek full-glass windshield complete with ventilation panels and wiper wash?ideal for all-weather boating.

Boston Whaler's intuitive helm layout also includes drink holders, stainless steel steering wheel, ergonomic throttle controls, and customizable options for VHF radio, stereo controls, and more.

Innovative Seating & Comfort

Comfort meets utility with an intelligent interior layout and adaptable seating arrangements. The 280 Dauntless features a thoughtfully engineered helm seat that converts with ease?transform it from a forward-facing captain?s chair to a leaning post or stern-facing bench. This multipurpose design gives you greater versatility whether you're navigating, fishing, or trolling.

Spacious Forward Lounge: The forward lounge not only delivers plush comfort but also conceals a massive storage garage beneath?ideal for dive tanks, gear bags, buckets, and even full-length rods.

Aft Seating: The aft cockpit includes a fold-down transom bench seat and integrated port and starboard jump seats, allowing you to easily transition from fishing platform to social gathering space.

Optional Fold-Out Portside Patio: Expand your usable deck space dramatically with a fold-out swim patio?perfect for swimming, diving, or relaxing with your feet in the water.

Combined with premium upholstery and stainless steel hardware throughout, every inch of the 280 Dauntless exudes comfort and craftsmanship.

Fishing Features for Every Mission

Whether you fish bays, mangroves, reefs, or blue water, the 280 Dauntless is armed and ready for the pursuit. With features designed in collaboration with serious anglers, you?ll have everything you need for productive days on the water.

Ample Rod Storage: Store rods securely in under-gunwale racks, forward compartments, and vertical holders at the leaning post and transom.

Transom Livewell: A standard 19-gallon livewell with blue interior and clear lid keeps your bait fresh and visible.

Forward Fishbox with Pump-Out: The insulated forward fishbox doubles as cold storage or dry storage, with pump-out capability for easy cleanup.

Pre-Rigged Trolling Motor Panel: Factory options include wiring for a 36V MotorGuide XI-5 trolling motor or the full installation of the system, offering spot lock, GPS anchor, and wireless control for stealthy inshore targeting.

Power Pole Options: Add one or two shallow water anchors for precise control and boat positioning while fishing flats, bays, or river mouths.

Optional Seakeeper Gyro Stabilizer: Dramatically reduce boat roll and enhance comfort in rougher seas or when at anchor.

From open water hunts to quiet flats approaches, this boat offers the versatility and edge serious anglers demand.

Entertainment & Lifestyle Amenities

The 280 Dauntless isn't just a fishing platform, it's a social cruiser and family-friendly playpen when the rods are put away. Entertainment upgrades and smart layout design ensure you can transition from work to play in an instant.

Premium Stereo System: Enjoy crystal-clear sound with Fusion audio, amplified speakers, and optional subwoofers to keep the energy high wherever your journey takes you.

RGB Lighting Package: Add flair to evening cruises with multi-color accent lighting throughout the cockpit, forward lounge, and swim areas.

Swim Platforms with Ladder: Large integrated platforms at the transom make water access safe and simple. Add the optional beach boarding ladder for even easier entry from shallow waters or sandbars.

Freshwater Shower & Washdowns: Rinse off after a swim or clean down your gear with optional freshwater and raw water washdown stations.

Optional Windlass: Drop anchor quickly and safely with the integrated windlass system, ideal for beach landings, reef stops, or overnight anchoring.

Whether you're entertaining guests, island hopping, or enjoying a sunset cruise with family, the 280 Dauntless has the style and features to elevate every outing.

Specifications

Length Overall (LOA): 27' 9"

Beam: 9' 0"

Draft (with engines down): 18"

Dry Weight (w/ single engine): Approx. 5,900 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 134 gallons

Max Horsepower: 600 HP

Maximum Capacity: 12 persons

Freshwater Capacity: 18 gallons

Bridge Clearance (w/ hardtop): 7' 11"

Customization Options

Because this 2025 Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless is a build-to-order vessel, you can customize nearly every aspect of the boat. Choose from multiple hull colors, engine configurations, helm electronics, upholstery schemes, fishing packages, lighting upgrades, and stability systems. Whether your priority is tournament-level performance, luxury cruising, or a hybrid for both, we will help you build a boat that?s uniquely yours.

Order Yours Today
The Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless is a vessel without compromise, fearless in functionality, luxurious in execution, and legendary in performance. From its unsinkable hull and advanced electronics to its family-focused amenities and fishing-first layout, this boat is made to exceed expectations.

Contact us today to begin your custom build process. We'll walk you through every available option and ensure your new 280 Dauntless is tailored perfectly to your vision. Financing, factory orders, and delivery logistics can all be coordinated through our experienced team.

The water is calling. Answer with the 2025 Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless.